Alabama must create a second black district within a tight timeframe following a Supreme Court ruling.

The Alabama State Legislature Ordered to Redraw Congressional Voting Maps

The Alabama state legislature has been given a crucial task by a three-judge federal appeals court panel: to redraw congressional voting maps to ensure a second district where black voters constitute a majority. This decision follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed a Republican-drawn electoral map in violation of federal laws against racial discrimination in voting.

Time Constraints and Deadlines

The panel has set a deadline of July 21, allowing candidates and parties sufficient time to meet qualifying and certification deadlines for the upcoming 2024 election. U.S. Circuit Judge Stanley Marcus emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “The time constraints that are upon us are very real.”

With primaries scheduled for March 5, 2024, and the requirement for candidates to qualify with political parties in November, there is limited time available to create a new map and obtain court approval.

Ensuring Compliance

The panel of judges has made it clear that if they are dissatisfied with the maps produced by the state lawmakers or if they fail to agree on new maps by the deadline, a special master will be appointed by the court to draw the maps on their behalf.

It is anticipated that Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) will call for a special session of the legislature next month to debate and approve the new maps, most likely around July 17. Subsequently, the maps will be subject to further discussion during an August hearing.

While an official announcement regarding the special session has not been made by Governor Ivey’s office, it is expected to take place.

Background and Implications

This revision of Alabama’s congressional maps follows a surprising decision by the Supreme Court, in which two Republican-appointed justices joined the liberal justices to find that Alabama had violated the federal Voting Rights Act.

Plaintiffs argued that the existing map had deliberately divided historically connected communities to diminish the influence of black voters in the state’s other six districts.

The Washington Examiner has reached out to Governor Ivey’s office for comment.